Remedies for Gas, Bloating & Cramps

Stomach and intestinal gas occurs when air inside the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and intestines) passes through the rectum. According to the National Institutes of Health, gas is often caused by swallowing air while eating, irritable bowel syndrome, lactase deficiency and certain foods and medications. Two of the most common symptoms of gas are abdominal cramps and bloating, reports the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, there are natural and medical remedies that can put an end to gas and the related symptoms—cramps and bloating.

Natural and Medical Remedies

• Ginger is an effective digestive stimulant used to cure gas, bloating and cramps. Make homemade ginger tea by pouring about 1 cup of boiling water over 1/2 tsp. of fresh or dry ginger root. Purchase ginger ale from the store or make your own by adding 1 tsp. of fresh grated ginger root, 1 tsp. of fresh lime juice and a small amount of honey to 6 oz. of water. Take liquid ginger root extract or ginger extract capsules daily as directed. Liquid ginger root extract can be added to water or herbal tea to treat gas and abdominal cramping. Grannymed.com also suggests chewing a slice of ginger root or eating ginger candy. Avoid consuming ginger products if you're taking blood thinners—such as aspirin, or if you suffer from gallstones. Consume ginger in moderation to prevent diarrhea, mouth irritation or mild heartburn, reports Grannymed.com.

  Drink up to four cups of herbal tea daily to alleviate gas, bloating and cramps. Make dandelion herbal tea by pouring about 1 cup of boiling water over a fresh or dried dandelion leaf. Also try pouring 1 cup of boiling water over fresh lemon verbena leaves, peach leaves, garlic gloves or passion fruit to make homemade herbal tea. Purchase organic green tea or spearmint, peppermint and chamomile herbal teas to relieve gas and aid food digestion.

  Consider taking an over-the-counter remedy such as Gas-X, Gelusil, Mylicon or Mylanta Gas to quickly relieve gas and multiple gas symptoms, including bloating. Take a lactase enzyme supplement such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease to cure gas that's caused by lactase deficiency (lactose intolerance). The Mayo Clinic suggests taking the enzyme supplement Beano before eating beans and vegetables as a preventive gas and gas pain remedy.

Considerations

• Make dietary and lifestyle changes to treat and prevent gas, bloating and cramping. Limit or avoid foods and beverages that are known to cause an excess of gas. According to the Mayo Clinic, that often includes apples, asparagus, beans, beer, bran, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, dairy, onions, sugar-free foods and beverages sweetened with fructose or sorbitol, high-fiber foods, fried foods and fatty foods. Always eat your food slowly, making sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing to encourage proper food digestion.

  Contact your physician if you experience excessive, prolonged gas or if your gas is accompanied with severe pain in your abdomen, chest pain, nausea, weight loss, bleeding or fever. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious digestive condition that requires medical treatment.